BURKE: 'WE DO NOT INTEND TO BE IDLE BYSTANDER' IN OFFSEASON

With the NHL Draft and free agent season quickly approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs plan on making some moves to improve the team sooner rather than later.

Appearing on the Bryan Hayes Show on TSN Radio on Monday, Leafs general manager Brian Burke made it clear that everything from current players to draft picks to cap space will be on the table if he can add to the roster for next season.

“We intend to use these assets and whatever assets are available on July 1 to improve our hockey club,” said Burke. “We do not intend to be an idle bystander on either day.”

However, if nothing can be worked out on the trade front, Burke is confident he can stockpile for the future in a draft where the Leafs currently possess the 25th and 30th overall picks. While many are talking about the likes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Larsson and Gabriel Landeskog, Burke feels the talent pool is deep this year.

“Once you get through that group, there’s a good pile of players that goes well past 50,” said Burke. “So if we keep those picks, we think we’ll get good prospects. It’s a deep draft that lacks star power but there’s plenty of talent there.”

As for the free agency, defenceman Luke Schenn along with forwards Tyler Bozak and Clarke MacArthur are slated to become restricted free agents on July 1st, but Burke is not worried about losing any key players.

Why? Erhoff isn't getting any respect from Vancouver, he's never had a big contract by LNH terms, he's looks to be a great candidate to bolt. Bieska as well given Vancouver was shopping him last summer and this will be the one chance in his career to cash in, his value is never likely to be this inflated again.

Just going with my gut. Erhoff is more likely to walk, but failing to get that Cup I see both guys coming back at a reasonable price.

Bieksa I really can't see leaving. I know some people will think it was just a hot playoff run that skews his value but regardless the Nucks needs his leadership and grit. A soft bunch physically and mentally the Canucks are to the point where bringing back Bieksa is a priority if they want to make another push.